Explorers At Heart...

This past weekend, DW and I went to visit a friend of mine from high school and his wife in Greenville, SC.  We finally made the time to go and I'm SO glad we did.  I loved their town! I had no clue what a hidden treasure it is and, of course, you can't beat spending time with people you've got history with! Brandon and I have known one another since high school so he's one of the only "long term" friendships I've got, if you will, since I grew up a military brat.  And it's awesome because his wife, Jill, and I get along and he and DW also get along great, which is awesome because you never know how blending past and present is going to go.

Brandon and I have a kinda funny relationship.  He loved to pick on me growing up and still does...I thought we'd grown out of him sticking his finger up my nose, but nope..it happened this weekend.  We've had our moments in our friendship...one time in college, when I was attending a small Baptist University, he pulled me across his lap and spanked me in from of about 2,000 people.  I struggled to get away, which only made him more thrilled and when I stood up, I was crimson red from embarrassment and furious.  I didn't speak to him for about a year.  But when you've got history, you've got history...and great friendships make it through time and distance...and having your nosed picked and even miserably embarrassing moments.   

On Friday night, we piddled around downtown and ate at a place called Chicora Alley.  It was such a neat place and you had to walk up an old stairwell between the buildings to get into the restaurant.

Chicora Alley
(photo courtesy of their website)

Let me tell you, it's an odd, odd combination of foods that are just so, so right.  We had nachos that had mango on them...and gag if you will, it was ridiculously amazing.  It's like Mexican meets Caribbean and it was crazy good.  After dinner, we walked the streets of downtown so that Brandon and Jill could show us the great little restored building, Falls Park, and all that Greenville has to offer.  I was literally blown away.  I felt like I was at an enormous resort or something and couldn't help but shake my head in amazement as I watched the young kids running through the fountain and rolling on the grassy picnic spots as parents laid around on blankets on the lawn, snapping pictures, talking, and hanging out with friends doing the same.

Restaurants w/ patios lined the streets

...and I loved this old mill they were getting set up for a wedding!

On Saturday morning, we went to eat breakfast at Underground Coffee, which had great coffee and extremely cool ambiance but the server was definitely missing a few of her marbles.  She never came back to refill our coffee after the initial cup and I got my food about 30 minutes after Brandon and DW (Jill is a resident at the hospital and was working)...and it was completely not what I ordered.  I'll give it another try because I don't believe in going off first impressions, but wow...not a great first experience.  Afterward, we walked over to the local Farmer's Market and spent some time looking around.     

Downtown Farmer's Market

Shortly after, we hopped in the car and took the dogs to the Dog Park at Cleveland Park before heading up to DuPont State Forest so Brandon could show us the view.

Tattooed Rock

DW & Brandon

Brandon showing DW the amazing view...love these two!

On the way down the mountain, we stopped at an old "haunted" bridge that was made in the 1820's, which I think is ridiculously cool.  Something there from that long ago when people travelled on horses and by wagon like Robin Hood.  I love stuff like this!

State Road Bridge built in 1820's

Apparently, it is haunted by the people who were hung there long ago.  I don't mind the story in the daylight but you won't catch me there at night.  Story or not...I don't like the dark anyway. 

Passage under the bridge

Playing

Passing through

We also stopped at an out of the way BBQ place (SO good!) and shopped through antique stores that lined the streets.  Of course, that was my idea...not the boys.  :-)

Hubba Hubba BBQ

After that, we went home to clean up and rest for a bit before we went out for dinner and to the minor league baseball game.  We went to some mexican restaurant downtown (can't remember the name) and then headed to the game.  When we were walking in, I handed my i.d. to an older man at the gate because he was putting "over 21" bands on people.  When I handed him mine, he looked at me and told me matter of factly that it was my older sister's id.  I fell in love immediately. 

DW & I

Brandon & DW

The guys were nice enough to humor me for pics for the ol' blog but then as the mascot is passing by, Brandon snatched the camera out of my hand and waved the mascot over.  Will you take a picture with my friend? he says.  She LOVES you!  He went on to ask "it" to get really, really close because I was SUCH a huge fan.  Next thing I know, the sweaty smelly frog has his arms wrapped all around me.  Nice, Brandon. 

Me & My new BFF

After the game, we went to some little patio restaurant where we met up with some of Brandon's friends and hung out for a couple hours talking and laughing.  We also ended up doing an infommercial for some rubber band that makes you stronger and have better stretches.  It was pretty hilarious...just wanted to include it so I didn't forget!

On Sunday morning, Jill came home after 24+ of work at the hospital...and somehow managed to join us for breakfast.  We spent a little bit of time trading memories and stories while we ate and then hit the road for home! How she manages to look so gorgeous with no makeup and no sleep...I'll never know.  I'm jealous! ;-)

Brandon & Jill

All in all, a great weekend and I hope to go back very soon!  Love you, B!